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Key Takeaways
Vietnam has emerged as a prime destination for businesses seeking a highly skilled and cost-effective workforce. With a rapidly growing economy and a population exceeding 101 million, the country offers a vast talent pool across various sectors, including technology, finance, and manufacturing. Vietnam's workforce is renowned for its strong work ethic, adaptability, and increasing proficiency in English – attributes that make it an attractive option for global employers.
As Vietnam progresses toward upper-middle-income status, salary expectations and labor market trends are always evolving. Employers hiring in Vietnam must understand wage benchmarks to ensure fair and competitive compensation. While salaries remain lower than in many Western countries, the relatively low cost of living allows workers to maintain a comfortable quality of life.
This article delves into salary trends across key industries, offering businesses valuable insights for hiring in Vietnam in 2026. Whether you're planning to expand your team or evaluating a job opportunity, understanding how wages vary by role, experience level, and location will help you make more informed decisions.
What is the Average Salary in Vietnam?
As of 2026, the average annual salary in Vietnam sits in the range of 4,360,000–76,900,000 VND (approximately $166–$2,930). This reflects the country's economic growth and the increasing demand for skilled professionals.
Income levels in Vietnam vary based on factors such as industry, experience, education, and location. Urban centers like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City typically offer higher salaries compared to rural regions.
Comparative Profession Salary Earnings in Vietnam
Here's a general breakdown of monthly and annual salary ranges in Vietnam:
Note: These figures are approximate and can vary based on specific roles, industries, and company policies.
Source: Michael Page, ManpowerGroup
Industry-Specific Salary Earnings
Salaries in Vietnam differ across various industries. Below is an overview of average annual salaries for common professions:
Note: These figures are approximate and can vary based on experience, location, and company size.
Source: Michael Page,Manpower Group Vietnam
Labor Market Overview
Vietnam’s labor market remains resilient and steadily evolving as the economy continues its shift toward higher-value industries. Employment is increasingly concentrated in the services sector (around 40 %), followed by industry and construction (roughly one-third), while agriculture’s share continues to decline as urbanization and industrialization accelerate. Unemployment remains low at around 2–3%, reflecting strong labor demand, particularly in manufacturing, technology, and services. Vietnam’s labor force exceeds 53 million people, supported by a relatively young population and high participation rates.
At the same time, structural challenges persist. Underemployment, informal work, and skill mismatches remain common, especially outside major cities and in traditional sectors. While the share of workers with formal training and certifications is gradually increasing, there are still gaps in advanced technical, digital, and managerial skills. Continued investment in education, vocational training, and upskilling will be critical to sustaining productivity growth and supporting Vietnam’s transition toward a more knowledge-driven economy.
Benefits of Hiring Employees in Vietnam
Hiring in Vietnam offers various advantages:
- Cost-Effective Labor: Competitive salary levels allow businesses to manage operational costs efficiently.
- Skilled Workforce: A growing number of professionals with expertise in various fields.
- Strategic Location: Proximity to major Asian markets facilitates business expansion.
- Government Support: Pro-business policies and incentives for foreign investors.
- Cultural Compatibility: A workforce known for its adaptability and strong work ethics.
- Language Proficiency: Increasing English proficiency among young professionals, which eases cross-border collaboration.
- Economic Stability: A consistently growing economy with a stable political environment.
Factors That Influence Salaries in Vietnam
The salary landscape in Vietnam is shaped by various economic and market-driven factors. Employers should consider these elements to offer competitive compensation packages.
1. Economic Growth
Vietnam's robust economic growth has resulted in rising salary expectations as businesses compete for top talent.
2. Industry Demand
High-demand sectors like technology and finance often offer higher salaries to attract skilled professionals.
3. Education and Experience
Advanced qualifications and extensive experience can significantly impact earning potential.
4. Geographic Location
Urban centers typically provide higher wages due to the elevated cost of living and greater demand for specialized skills.
Hiring Trends & Future Salary Outlook in Vietnam
Technology Sector Expansion
Vietnam’s technology sector continues to expand rapidly, with particularly strong demand for professionals in artificial intelligence, machine learning, and cybersecurity. This growth is being driven by increased foreign investment, regional outsourcing, and government support for digital innovation.
As a result, the average monthly salary for IT professionals has risen to approximately 101.25 million VND per month (Approximately $3,846 USD per month) with specialised roles – particularly in highly regulated sectors such as pharmaceuticals – commanding salaries of up to $2,965 USD per month.
Emphasis on Renewable Energy
Vietnam’s push toward sustainability is already showing up in hiring. Demand is rising for roles in renewable energy and environmental engineering – from clean energy developers to sustainability consultants and environmental engineers.As companies move faster into green projects, competition for this talent is increasing – and compensation is following suit.
Salary Adjustments and Employee Retention
Vietnam’s 2026 salaries are expected to rise sharply as competition for talent intensifies, with pay growth of up to ~25% in high-demand roles.
Across the broader market, salary growth in Vietnam is moderating, but technology and engineering roles continue to see the strongest upward pressure – with high-demand positions in AI, data, digital services, and engineering forecast to command pay increases of up to 15%–25% as employers compete to attract – and retain – scarce skills.
Focus on Upskilling and Training
Hiring alone isn’t enough. Employers and workers alike are placing more emphasis on training and development as Vietnam’s job market evolves – particularly to close gaps in digital, automation, and advanced technical skills. Recent labour market insights show a high level of engagement in further training, with a majority of Vietnamese professionals planning to pursue upskilling in 2026 and employers responding with increased training programs.
This focus on development reflects both a need to adapt to technological change – and a competitive environment where retaining talent matters as much as hiring it.
Digital Transformation Across Industries
Digital transformation continues to reshape hiring across almost every sector. Demand remains strong for professionals skilled in software development, data analysis, cloud infrastructure, and digital marketing. As companies modernise operations and compete in both regional and global markets, they are increasingly prioritising candidates who are comfortable working with emerging technologies and digital tools.
Key Takeaways
Having an in-depth understanding of salary trends in Vietnam is essential for businesses looking to attract top talent and for professionals seeking fair compensation. To make well-informed decisions as a hiring manager, consider industry benchmarks, location, experience, and cost-of-living factors. Look for free resources such as Playroll's salary benchmarking tool and employee cost calculator to easily benchmark your offering across the globe.
If you're planning to hire in Vietnam, make sure to offer competitive salaries, provide benefits that match industry standards, and stay updated on local labor laws to ensure a smooth and successful hiring process.
Want to simplify the process of hiring in Vietnam? Playroll offers leading EOR services to make global hiring a breeze – let us handle legal employment, compliance, payroll, and benefits management, so you can freely explore new markets and focus on team growth.


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